Sudden Aggression

When we look for signs of a depressed dog, we usually associate it with sadness and a lack of energy. However, another possible sign is impulsive aggression behavior.

Changes in Sleeping Behavior



Aside from playing with their favorite human, another activity your dog loves to be engaged with is sleeping. Dogs love to sleep. In fact, an average adult dog sleeps from 12 to 14 hours per day. Meanwhile, puppies sleep about 18 to 20 hours. If you notice that your dog is sleeping more or less than usual then it can be a sign of a depressed dog.

Excessive Licking

Their grooming behavior is what usually differentiates dogs from cats. Cats are meticulous groomers and prefer to clean themselves. While for dogs, excessing licking or their coat or paw might be an indication of psychological problems. According to veterinarians, excessive licking or chewing is self-soothing to dogs, but can also be a sign that they are suffering from physical pain, skin problems, and bacterial infections.

Hiding

Does your dog start hiding from you when you arrive from work or school? Or do they suddenly want to be alone by themselves? Avoidance or hiding is a probable sign of depression in dogs. It might be caused by a negative punishment that left your dog in emotional trauma. This sign can’t be ignored as it might lead to other unwanted behavior.

Changes in Appetite

Just like in humans, dogs might overindulge in food to comfort themselves or avoid eating at all when they are depressed. This can lead to obesity or extreme weight loss. Appetite changes are never a good sign and can also be a manifestation of serious medical disease